Best Dispersed Camping near Killeen, TX
Dispersed camping near Killeen, Texas centers around several primitive sites along the San Gabriel River Trail and Belton Lake. The region includes four main dispersed camping areas: Iron Bridge Park at Belton Lake, Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites, Walnut Springs Primitive Campground, and sites along the San Gabriel River Trail. These areas provide free, primitive camping experiences with minimal amenities and no reservations required. Most sites require hikers to park at trailheads and walk in, though Iron Bridge Park offers drive-in access.
Access to these primitive sites varies considerably by location. The San Gabriel River Trail spans 26.2 miles around Lake Georgetown, with multiple entry points where hikers can park before trekking to camping zones. Most primitive sites require hiking between 2-6 miles from parking areas, with Walnut Springs accessible after a 2-mile hike from Russell Park or a 4-mile journey from Camp Tejas. Iron Bridge Park features a gravel parking lot with nearby grassy areas for camping and includes basic vault toilets, though campers should bring their own toilet paper. High clearance vehicles may be beneficial for some access roads, particularly the rougher sections beyond the paved areas at Iron Bridge Park.
These primitive camping areas feature a mix of forested and open terrain with varying proximity to water. The San Gabriel River Trail passes through forests, grasslands, and crosses tributaries, with approximately 40% of the trail offering tree coverage. Summer temperatures combined with exposed sections can make hiking challenging, so carrying adequate water is essential. According to one visitor, "This is primitive dispersed camping. There are no facilities or amenities at these camp areas. Pack in some water and bring a water filter to obtain more." Another camper noted that Walnut Springs has "large open areas, fire pits, lamp hangers, picnic tables, trees closer to the trail, and grassy areas closer to the water." Despite being relatively remote, some sites see regular traffic, especially on weekends when scout troops and other backpackers frequent the trail.